Court Grants Injunction, Restores USAGM and VOA's Editorial Independence

US District Court Grants Injunction in USAGM Shutdown Case

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia delivered an impactful decision, issuing a preliminary injunction against the closure of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The ruling ensures that USAGM, including Voice of America (VOA) and other grant-receiving newsrooms like Radio Free Asia, will continue to operate and maintain their editorial independence. This comes after accusations that the administration, under Acting Director Victor Morales and Special Adviser Kari Lake, unlawfully attempted to shut down the agency.

Federal employees, journalists, and unions have welcomed this decision, viewing it as a crucial affirmation of their First Amendment rights and an important step in countering undue political influence in public broadcasting. The ruling signifies that USAGM workers can persist in their congressionally mandated duties without interference.

AFGE National President Everett Kelley remarked, "Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law, for press freedom and journalistic integrity, and for democracy worldwide." He criticized the Trump administration's attempts to silence VOA and highlighted the ruling's importance in enabling employees to continue their vital work.

Echoing similar sentiments, AFSCME President Lee Saunders stated, "Today’s ruling is a major win for AFSCME members and Voice of America workers who have dedicated their careers to reporting the truth and spreading freedom to millions across the world."

NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss emphasized the essential role of journalists, saying, “Journalists hold power to account and that includes the Trump administration.” The injunction is an order to restore USAGM's operations as mandated by Congress.

The decision was also praised by David Seide, Senior Counsel at the Government Accountability Project, who expressed satisfaction with the court's move to restore VOA's full operations.

Andrew G. Celli, Jr., representing the plaintiffs, highlighted VOA's critical role in providing unbiased information, declaring, “VOA is more than just an iconic brand with deep roots in American and global history; it is a vital, living force that provides truth and hope to those living under oppressive regimes.”

Democracy Forward CEO Skye Perryman praised the decision as a reinforcement of the rule of law, asserting that it protects independent journalism against political interference.

The preliminary injunction was lauded by Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), who noted it as a significant step towards restoring the rule of law and safeguarding a free and independent press.

The American Foreign Service Association President, Tom Yazdgerdi, emphasized the importance of editorial independence in confronting disinformation, stating, “From Voice of America to Radio Free Asia and across the U.S. Agency for Global Media, these networks are essential tools of American soft power.”

Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of RSF USA, also supported the ruling, anticipating that USAGM will promptly reinstate over 1,300 VOA employees to continue their global information delivery.

This injunction marks the beginning of what may be a prolonged legal challenge, but it stands as a pivotal victory affirming the protection of journalists, federal workers, and unions against unauthorized political intervention.